How to make Panamanian Chicken Fried Rice (Arroz con Pollo) Recipe

Panamanian arroz con pollo recipes vary slightly from family to family.

Arroz con pollo, also known as rice with chicken, is a staple dish in many Latin countries, and Panama is no different. Located in Central America, Panama is most famous for the Panama Canal that allows cargo ships to pass easily between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Panama is also home to a vibrant, distinct African and Latin culture which is reflected in their food. In Panama, arroz con pollo is made with saffron and is typically light on the hot spices compared to other versions. This one pot dish includes many ingredients but is quite simple to prepare.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 lbs. chicken, cut up
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 3 cups water or chicken sock
• Pinch of saffron
• 2 1/4 cups rice
• 2 cups frozen peas

Instructions

1. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large pot on medium-high heat and cook the chicken pieces in the oil until all sides are browned.

2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and bell pepper, as well as the crushed garlic cloves, until the onions and peppers are soft and the garlic golden brown.

3. Pour the 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup white wine into the pot and season with 1/2 tsp. black pepper and two bay leaves and simmer for five minutes.

4. Add 3 cups of water or chicken stock and a pinch of saffron.

5. Rinse 2 1/4 cups rice thoroughly and add it to the pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium low. Allow the rice and chicken to simmer for 20 minutes, then remove from the heat and let stand. for 10 minutes before removing the lid.

6. Cook 2 cups of frozen peas in a small pan on the stove, then stir into the arroz con pollo just before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• Feel free to add and omit spices as you see fit. Some recipes replace saffron with achiote paste, and other include capers and pimientos, or omit the frozen peas.

References

• Everyhing Panama; Food in Panama -- There is Great Food in Panama; August 2009
• Panama Food Recipes; Arroz con Pollo: Rice with Chicken; December 2010
• Food Geeks; Arroz con Pollo (de Panama); Carol Sexton

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Panama Living: Recipes From Panama
• Panama Travels; Panama Top 10: Favorite Foods; Cailey Halloran